(PHOTOS) See the gut-wrenching moment two firemen fall to their deaths hand-in-hand

Two Chinese firemen fell to their deaths, together, according to sources in China and a report by the Daily Mail. One of the firemen was reportedly endangered and the other tried to save him, but both perished in a 13-story fall.

Two firemen fell to their deaths, hand-in-hand while fighting a 13th story apartment fire.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a story that is already reverberating through stations around the world, a the tragic loss of two firemen in Shanghai, China yesterday has reminded the world that the profession is fraught with danger, tempered by camaraderie.

According to Chinese media, and reported in the Daily Mail, two Chinese firemen, Quian Lingyun, 23 and Liu Jie, 20, were figthing a 13th floor apartment blaze when they fell to their deaths, hand-in-hand.

The blaze, which may have been caused by faulty electrical equipment being used in the home, apparently pushed Liu off the balcony in a wall of flame. In an attempt to rescue his comrade, Lingyun stretched his hand to help Liu back up, but Liu with his equipment was too heavy and couldn't recover himself.

The apartment fire was eventually contained and extinguished without further loss of life.

Despite this, Lingyun did not let go and both men fell together, 13 stories, to their deaths on the pavement below.

The balcony from which the men fell.

A passerby with a cellphone captured the dramatic final moment of the two heroes as they plunged to their deaths, still holding hands.

The final moment when two firemen fell to their deaths, bravely, they did not let go of one another, even as they fell.

One needs only to reflect on the image of the two men to gain a deeper appreciation for all that firefighters do to protect us and one another and to remember that comrades-in-arms are often the best family one will be blessed to have.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Police think it may have been caused by faulty electrical equipment used by the tenants.

We pray for the repose of their souls and the consolation of their family and fellows.

The fire was eventually extinguished without further loss and police are investigating the cause.